Around three hundred Bhutanese-Nepali women of Syracuse , NY have participated in a group Snan (Holy Bath) to mark this year’s Rishi Panchami amidst a big function today.
The women were seen wearing sari and blouse and holding plates that contained flowers and sweets needed for Puja following the Snan.
The program, that was organized by the Bhutanese Community of Syracuse (BCS) at the beach of Green Lake was viewed with great excitement, and as a means to pass the cultural practices to the younger generation.
According to Hari Bangale, the president of BCS, the program was actually organized so that the younger girls, along with their elders can participate at the Snan and Puja.
“Seeing is believing”, adds Mr. Bangale that if the people get to involve themselves, that will awaken their inner desire to do something to preserve and promote their culture.
He added that he was taken aback seeing the young girls devoted to the Snan.
“Syracuse is the place with cultural diversity even among the Bhutanese group, and we have been successful so far to accommodate everyone. This has been our goal”, adds Mr. Bangaley.
The Snan was followed by Saptarishi Puja in group. According to the Hindu mythology, whatever sins committed by the women knowingly or unknowingly during menstrual cycle through out the year will be washed away by the holy bath.
BCS that was formed in mid 2008 has been carrying out different activities for the benefit of the people.
“BCS has been committed to serve the community. It has many programs piled up. The next thing we have been planning is to celebrate this year’s Vijaya Dasami making it grand so that everyone will understand the Nepalese culture and religious practices,” says Jai Subedi, an executive member of BCS.
Two resettlement agencies operating in Syracuse, Interfaith Works and Catholic Charities assisted the BCS with transportation in today’s event.
Reported by Kazi Gautam for BNS from Syracuse, NY.
